Free Selene of Alexandria by Faith L. Justice Page B

delighted to join you on a stroll." Nicaeus bowed over Honoria's hand converting a look of pure glee to one of appropriate regret. "But I know for a fact, he is otherwise engaged today, as am I." He looked over his shoulder, saw no sign of Calistus, then admonished Selene, "Be sure to walk straight home."
    Nicaeus headed toward the other boys.
    As he left, Honoria pinched Selene. "Ow! What was that for?" Selene rubbed her bruised flesh.
    "That was for letting your brother and Antonius get away. They could have escorted us home. You know I rarely have the opportunity to be in his company."
    Selene took Honoria's arm and steered her down the colonnaded street toward their homes several blocks from the church. She asked gently, "Is Antonius still your choice for a husband?"
    "Of all the matches father has proposed, he is the only one I would gladly accept. Father is obsessed with allying with a political power and a councilor's son would be a more than suitable son-in-law." Honoria hesitated. "Father feels the sting of being new to his wealth, but in this case it works to my advantage." Her eyelids drooped and a soft smile lit her face. "Antonius is well favored and, I believe, kind. I think I could be happy with him." Her eyes widened. "Does he talk about me to you or Nicaeus?"
    Selene hesitated, not wanting to hurt her friend by repeating unkind remarks, but unwilling to give false hope. "Antonius does not know you, Honoria. He has nothing on which to base either affection or aversion." She squeezed her friend's hand. "I'm sure when he gets to know you that he will find you as fine a friend as I do – kind, loving, and sweet-tempered."
    "Do you think so?" Honoria shook off her dreaminess and raked Selene with an appraising eye. "What of you, my dear? Does your father fancy you as wife to the Prefect or has he another match in mind?"
    "The Prefect? Orestes?" Selene looked at her friend in astonishment. "Where on earth did you hear that?"
    "Everyone knows the Prefect is looking for a wife to cement his appointment here." Honoria smiled slyly. "Why else do you think your father would invite the Prefect to your home, if not to show you off?"
    Selene shivered in the heat. She didn't want to be married, did she? Selene decided to deflect the subject.
    "What else do 'they' say about the Prefect?"
    "That he's tall and straight, like a cedar tree. That he rides a horse so well he is taken for a centaur. And…" Honoria surveyed their immediate surroundings and satisfied, whispered, "…his green eyes can bewitch any woman."
    "Is that all?" Selene laughed. "Did they not mention that he breathes fire, can understand your unspoken thoughts and sleeps on a bed of iron spikes?"
    "Oh, Selene, don't be such a tease." Honoria withdrew her arm and stamped her foot. Selene laughed and tucked her friend's arm back under hers. "I'm sorry, Honoria. I am constantly amazed at how rumors spread. Didn't your father tell you about Orestes?"
    "You know my father never talks to me about anything important."
    "Why hasn't Ision proposed you as a match for the Prefect?"
    "A merchant's daughter and the Egyptian Governor?" Honoria laughed. "Father aims high but even he knows better than to propose such a pairing."
    Selene smiled. One of the traits she found most endearing in her friend was Honoria's frank appraisal and insight into her own precarious social position. Honoria didn't preen or fawn over the other girls of their set, as one uncertain of her rank, but acted as if she belonged. And she was well aware that she would belong only so long as her father had money or until she could marry into status.
    "Which brings me back to my original question? What marriage plans does Calistus have for you?"
    "Me?" Selene tossed her head, dislodging the cream-colored veil protecting her from the sun. She readjusted it around her shoulders. "I do not care to marry."
    "And how much influence will you have in that?" Honoria wore a sorrowful look. "The holy societies